[umdman11]

My problem is a couple of my outlets didn’t work. They didn’t have power, meaning I plugged the microwave in and nothing worked and I also tried this thing that I use where I plug it into the outlet and it tells me if I have it wired correctly. That showed no power to the outlet since none of the lights lit up. I checked the fuse box and the fuse was still good.

So I pulled the outlet cover off and pulled out the outlets. The wiring appears to be OK. I’ve lived in this house for 2 years and everything has been fine. Actually the wiring has to be only 4 years old as it’s a newly remodeled kitchen. I tripped the GFI reset and it popped back on, meaning I have power to the outlet. However, while doing this, another outlet made a popping sound and a small amount of smoke came from the outlet. None of the fuses have blow.

The interesting part is, I used the outlet tester and it says all the outlets are either Hot/Neutral Reverse or Hot/Ground Reverse. I tested these outlets about two months ago and they were wired correctly. So something is not right, as some times I don’t get any power to the outlet, or it says the outlet is wired incorrectly. Is it possible there is a lose wire? Or bad GFI? Or since it has been 100 degrees the past couple of weeks, and there’s been random dimming of the lights that may be caused by power-surges?

Throughout this hole ordeal, the fuses have never tripped.

Any possible trouble shooting ideas?

Brandon

[tkrussell]

The outlet that puffed smoke needs to be checked , there is a bad, loose or otherwise poor connection .

Perfect example for being sure splices and connections need to be in an enclosed box with a cover, to contain sparks.

Turn the power off, and open the box carefully, looking for a bad connection , either a splice or a screw terminal.

When inspecting and troubleshooting wiring, the connections should get the most attention.

FYI- When lights dim, the event is called a voltage sag, the volts go lower than normal due to loads and "brown-outs", and can be caused by loose connections anywhere in the building's electrical system.

If the lights thruout the house continue or get worse, perhaps may need a tech to come in and check the panel, meter, even the outside utility connections.